Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is one of the best tools that any business can have at its disposal. ERP systems give information about every part of a business’s operations, and the right software will help the business grow and thrive. Read on to find out about cloud-based ERP solutions and how to explore options.
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What Is a Cloud-Based ERP?
Just about every business owner understands the benefits of ERP systems. They save time, improve accuracy, identify and resolve operational inefficiencies, and increase opportunities for automation. Not all ERPs are cloud-based, but there are plenty of options for a cloud based ERP.
The Benefits of Cloud-Based ERP Solutions
Cloud-based ERPs are hosted remotely by specialized software developers. They provide the solution of choice for over 60% of enterprise-level businesses, and that number is only continuing to rise as time goes on. The benefits of cloud-based ERP solutions explain why they are so popular and include:
Reduced Cost
Cloud-based ERPs often cost less to implement than on-premise solutions. They’re also less expensive to operate and maintain since there are no hardware requirements.
Improved Efficiency
The shared databases used in cloud-based systems can easily be used to create more efficient processes not just across teams but across different office locations. This makes cloud-based ERP solutions a good option for companies with multiple branches.
Instant, In-Depth Insights
One of the top reasons that businesses adopt ERP systems is to get greater insight into the companies’ operations. With cloud-based software, the process is instant and key stakeholders can gain access to in-depth insight within minutes from anywhere.
What to Look For in a Cloud-Based ERP
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of cloud-based ERP solutions available to today’s businesses, so no team of leaders will suffer as a result of a lack of choice. If anything, most people report feeling overwhelmed by options. The good news is that there’s no need to request demos from every ERP software vendor that comes up in a search. By learning what to look for and narrowing down the field to qualified candidates, businesses can increase their chances of winding up with the perfect product.
Industry-Specific Solutions
Each industry has its own ways of doing things, so running a manufacturing business is very different from operating a warehouse or a logistics company. The right ERP system will be tailored to the needs of companies within the buyer’s specific industry.
Options for Customization
Modern ERP systems come with a wide variety of modules included in the deployment. Look for a vendor that allows the configuration of different modules, tools, and features to best meet the company’s core operational goals.
Excellent Customer Support
A good cloud-based ERP vendor won’t just help with the initial implementation of the system and then disappear. They will act as reliable partners moving forward by keeping up with security patches and updates, assisting with training, and offering ongoing customer support.
Be Sure to Compare Apples to Apples
When looking at different cloud-based ERP systems, be sure to compare apples to apples. In other words, make sure the software solutions provide the same level of assistance and are designed with the same needs in mind when comparing costs. When in doubt about what type of cloud-based ERP is most appropriate, business leaders shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to specialized industry consultants for help.
